Boston is a city defined by history, innovation, and, perhaps most importantly, incredibly dense transit options. While South Station often garners attention as the hub for the Northeast Corridor, Boston North Station (BON) is the critical gateway to Northern New England, serving as a vital nexus for regional rail, commuter lines, and subway service.
Whether you’re catching the train to Maine, transferring to the subway for a game at the TD Garden (which sits directly above the station), or looking for the fastest route to Logan Airport, this guide provides everything you need to navigate BON like a local.
1. Boston North Station (BON) Overview
Located in the historic West End, North Station is a bustling intermodal transit center managed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Amtrak.
Key Designation and Services:
| Service Provider | Service Type | Primary Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | Regional Rail | Northern New England (Maine) |
| MBTA Commuter Rail | Local/Regional Rail | Northern and Western Suburbs (Lowell, Fitchburg, Haverhill) |
| MBTA Subway | Rapid Transit | Downtown Boston (Green & Orange Lines) |
| TD Garden | Major Venue | Sports and Entertainment events |
Note: Unlike Boston South Station, which handles all services running south to New York and Washington D.C., BON focuses exclusively on routes heading north and west.
2. Amtrak Routes: The Downeaster Connection
For long-distance rail travelers, Boston North Station is solely linked to one critical Amtrak route: The Downeaster.
The Downeaster is unique as it is a successful cooperative effort between Amtrak and the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA). It serves as the primary rail link between the Massachusetts capital and coastal and interior Maine.
Table 1: Amtrak Downeaster Route Details from BON
| Route Name | Destination | Key Stops | State Coverage | Daily Frequency (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Downeaster | Brunswick, Maine | Woburn, Haverhill, Exeter, Portland, Freeport | MA, NH, ME | 5 Round Trips |
Traveler Tip: The Downeaster offers free Wi-Fi and often features scenic views, particularly as it travels along the coast in Maine. Because the train is heavily used by tourists and commuters, booking well in advance is highly recommended.
3. MBTA Connections: Commuter Rail and Subway
BON’s primary function is as the northern terminus for four crucial lines of the MBTA Commuter Rail system. These connections are essential for residents commuting into the city and for travelers seeking regional access.
Commuter Rail Lines Terminating at BON:
- Fitchburg Line: Serving communities west toward Fitchburg.
- Lowell Line: Serving communities north-northwest toward Lowell.
- Haverhill Line: Serving communities northeast toward Haverhill.
- Newburyport/Rockport Line: Serving coastal communities northeast toward Cape Ann and Newburyport.
Subway Connections
BON is one of the most connected points on the MBTA map, providing direct access to Boston’s key subway lines, which are crucial for navigating downtown and connecting to South Station or Logan Airport.
- MBTA Green Line: (Subway/Trolley) Serves Fenway, Brookline, and the Back Bay.
- MBTA Orange Line: (Subway) Serves Downtown Crossing, Back Bay, and connects directly to South Station (via transferring to the Red Line at Downtown Crossing) or Forest Hills.
4. Airport Operational: Connecting BON to Logan International (BOS)
While North Station is centrally located, it does not offer a direct, one-seat ride to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Successful transfers require utilizing the MBTA subway system.
The distance between BON and BOS is short (often just a few miles, depending on the route), but traffic congestion can significantly inflate travel times. Using public transit is often the most reliable method during peak hours.
Table 2: Airport Distance and Typical Travel
| Airport | IATA Code | Distance from BON (Approx.) | Typical Travel Time (Public Transit) | Typical Travel Time (Taxi/Rideshare – Non-Peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan International | BOS | 3.5 – 5 miles | 25 – 40 minutes | 15 – 25 minutes |
Public Transit Transfer Options to BOS
The most efficient way to reach Logan Airport from North Station involves using the MBTA services detailed below.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Airport (BOS):
There are two main public transit options to reach the airport terminals:
Option A: Orange Line to Blue Line (Recommended)
- At BON: Board the Orange Line (Inbound/Southbound) toward Forest Hills.
- Transfer: Get off at State Street Station (2 stops).
- Transfer: Switch onto the Blue Line (Outbound) toward Wonderland.
- Final Stop: Get off at Airport Station. From here, free MBTA Massport shuttle buses run immediately to all airline terminals.
Option B: Green Line to Silver Line (Alternative)
- At BON: Board the Green Line (Inbound/Southbound) toward Lechmere or Copley.
- Transfer: Get off at Government Center (near City Hall).
- Transfer: Follow signage to the Blue Line (Outbound) toward Wonderland.
- Final Stop: Get off at Airport Station.
Key Features of the Travel Route:
- Cost: MBTA fare is typically low (currently $2.40 per ride, though transfers are free).
- Operational Tempo: The subway system operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM daily.
- Shuttle Service: The Massport shuttle buses that meet the Blue Line at Airport Station run 24/7.
BON Checklist: Essential Station Services
To ensure a smooth transit experience, here are the essential services available at Boston North Station:
- Ticketing: Amtrak ticketing office and MBTA ticket machines are available on the main concourse level.
- Accessibility: The station is fully ADA compliant, with elevators and accessible platforms connecting the subsurface tracks to the street level.
- Dining: Numerous quick-service food options, coffee shops, and bars are located within the station complex and surrounding area (TD Garden).
- Baggage: Amtrak offers checked baggage service for the Downeaster route, though storage lockers are typically not available at the station itself.
- Parking: Limited garage parking is available underneath the TD Garden/station area.
Boston North Station is more than just a commuting stop; it is the vital northern artery of Boston’s rail network. By understanding its connections to the Downeaster, the MBTA commuter lines, and the best routes to Logan Airport, you’re ready to navigate this historic hub with confidence. Safe travels!
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